Page 88 of Hiding Forever
For privacy, I take the letter to the Zen room and read it.
Dear Nova Allen,
You don’t know me, but I believe we have a mutual acquaintance. It’s been made clear he’s no longer in Santa Barbara. However, I do wish to find him. I won’t state names. I can’t say that you know his real name anyway, but your male friend—the one in the pic on social media—looks a lot like a guy I’m trying to reach. If you still have contact with him, do me a favor, and let him know Marina comes in peace and wants to talk.
I gasp and drop the letter. Marina? The girl who kidnapped him and is part of a crime family? What was her last name again? M something. Dammit. I can’t remember.
Worse, I don’t know what to do. Riley needs to know about this. How did this girl even find me? The picture that leaked to social media didn’t say where I was staying, although I suppose it’s not a stretch considering who my grandmother is; her address isn’t public record, but the knowledge that she lives in Santa Barbara is.
Shit.Are we in trouble? Is Riley? What doescome in peacemean? Is this her kind of joke? Riley said she was a psychopath.
I want to shout for Gigi, but she wouldn’t hear me from this side of the mansion. If I could get my feet to move, I’d find her, but they’re frozen at the moment. My phone. I snatch it from my pocket and text Gigi.
Me: I need help.
As soon as I send the text, my legs decide to cooperate, propelling me from the room and down the hallway toward the stairs.
My phone chimes. I don’t bother to read the text. I’d have to stop and I’m in a full-on sprint. I grab the railing so I don’t fall as I charge down the staircase. Gigi and Inez barrel out from the direction of the kitchen, Gigi’s raised hand clutching her phone.
“I texted you back,” she says, slightly winded. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
I stop before her and realize I don’t have the note or the breath to say everything I want to say. My heart pounds in my chest like a snare drum banging against my ribs.
“The note,” I manage to get out and glance up the stairs. “Zen room. Riley.”
“Breathe.” Gigi grabs my arms. “Deep breaths.” She inhales deeply, and I mimic her enough times until I can speak.
“M-Marina. The Mafia girl who trapped Riley. She sent me a letter. She wants to find him.” My gaze darts around the great room, with all the natural light and windows and glass doors. I feel exposed in a way I never have. “Are we safe?”
Dumb question. But I can’t get my mind to comprehend the facts.
“Yes. Yes, my dear. We are perfectly safe.” She brushes my hair behind my ears and guides me to one of the couches. “Sit. Inez will make you some tea, and I’ll call Mr. Glenn.”
He’s the head of security and not only monitors Gigi’s estate but also does personal visits.
Inez says, “There have been no alerts. Mr. Jones was out all morning, tending the shrubbery around the property wall. All has been quiet. I’m sure we are fine. I’ll have Aaron fetch the note from your room while I make you some tea. Okay?”
I nod, agreeing robotically, my mind elsewhere. “Do you know where Riley is?” I ask Gigi, my hands a little shaky. “What if he’s in danger? Why would she send the note to me?”
“I don’t know.” She rubs my arms as if to warm me, only I’m not cold.
Aaron rushes across the room, toward the stairs. “Is it a paper note?” he asks me.
Gigi looks to me for the answers.
I nod. “It’s on the floor by the bed.”
“I’ll be right back.” He races up the stairs, taking them two at a time.
Something registers. “Was he wearing rubber gloves?”
Gigi nods. “If the note is from this girl, it’s evidence.”
Gigi’s phone rings and she moves it to her ear. “Yes. It’s me. We’re fine. Thank you, but there is a problem. Could you come to the estate?” A pause. “Yes. A letter. We’re already taking care of it.” She nods. “Thank you, Mr. Glenn. See you soon.”
I watch her, waiting to hear what he said. She sets her phone on the coffee table.
“Well?” I say, impatient.